Prep Softball: Lady Eagles are seeking another big season

New Madrid County Central's Courtney Robinson connects with a ball while taking batting practice at a recent Lady Eagles practice.
(David Jenkins, Staff)

This season will be no different.

"Our goal every year is to go undefeated," NMCC head coach Steve Rogers said. "We were close last year. We were probably a pitch or two here or there from doing that."

The Lady Eagles lost two games by a total of three runs. One loss was to the eventual Bootheel Conference champion Kennett Lady Indians and the other was to the Carlee Vancil led Twin Rivers Lady Royals. Vancil is now pitching for the Three Rivers Lady Raiders.

A huge part to their 13-2 record last season was the almost dominating pitching of Kelly Robey.

As a sophomore last season, Robey finished with a 12-2 record as her 60 mph fastball blew by most hitters she faced. Robey's No. 1 pitch is the equivalent of a 90 mph pitch in baseball.

Although NMCC knows what they have in Robey, now a junior, surrounding her with a defense to help out will be the main focus of this new year.

"We've got to try and surround Kelly with some good characters, which we're fortunate enough to have," Rogers said. "When they do put the ball in play, we have to make sure we can make the routine plays. We're trying to get a little defense to be behind her."

Offensively, at times, the Lady Eagles would show signs of slacking as well. Rogers, now in his 18th year as the Lady Eagles' head coach, has been throwing Robey against her teammates during practice to maybe give his hitters a better look at live action pitching. A tactic not much utilized before last season.

"Hopefully seeing her a little bit more in practice will get them ready for some of the better pitchers that we face," Rogers said. "She's lost in the past on no-hitters. Just because we couldn't score."

NMCC lost four starters from last year's squad; Alexis Wells, Jessica Ruedrich, Sherri Padilla and Sonni Carlyle. This season will feature five returning starters, including Robey, junior third baseman Samantha Hunter, senior catcher Shelbie Lawerence, senior outfielder Courtney Robinson and senior shortstop Courtney Masterson.

With that experience coming back mixed with a good bunch of younger players has Rogers feeling confident about the upcoming season.

"I think we've got some people to replace them," Rogers said. "You never know until you get out there and put in freshmen and sophomore's in game situations. They're just going to need some game experience to see what they can do."

The Lady Eagles will open their season March 23 when they host Richland.